"The U.S. Conference of Mayors today mourns the loss of New York City Mayor Ed Koch.

"Mayor Koch was an integral part of the USCM family who served as a mentor and friend to many, many mayors around the country.

"He was an iconic figure and historical mayor who will be known to current and former mayors for his 'larger than life' personality.

"He was a courageous trailblazer – he was the first mayor to bring the issue of crack cocaine and related crime exploding on the streets of America into policy discussions and debates at USCM meetings.

"Mayor Koch was fierce defender of his city – he worked with the USCM to bring New York City back from the brink of bankruptcy and financial ruin.

"The Conference of Mayors today mourns the loss of a giant among mayors who always spoke his mind with totally honesty about the issues of his city and the nations cities."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,295 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors

Copyright 2011 PR Newswire. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.